Anthony James Mitchell

Anthony James Mitchell was born on April 20, 1984, in Detroit, Michigan. He was affectionately called Tony in the memory of his grandfather, Adolphus Anthony Fanta, and was the eldest of three sons to Yolanda and Barton Mitchell. Tony was born with an infectious smile and laugh that could light up a room. Tony was universally known as vibrant and warm; he had the ability to make the darkest moments bright. Tony accepted Christ at an early age at Bethel Baptist Church East and had continual spiritual support through his God parents. Tony attended Mumford High School and graduated in 2002. After high school, he attended Tiffin University and later joined the United States Army in 2009. Tony became a father and welcomed sons Anthony Jr, Robert, Andrew, Wesley, and daughter Megan into this world with love.
As a young child, Tony looked like he was made for football. It was a passion of his that started as a toddler and continued through elementary school and throughout his high school years. Tony was accepted as a walk-on for the Tiffin University football team, as a defensive lineman and loved to watch football as a pastime. Tony was also gifted in mathematics. He played Academic Games in middle school and won several state championships and one national championship. He continued playing throughout high school and coached his school team. While serving in the Army, Tony served as a Combat Medic in Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq. He then served in the Army National Guard for two years. Anthony is also a recipient of the Presidential Service Certificate. Tony’s most recent endeavor was working for Ford Motor Company, where he worked the last six years and gained the friendship of many co-workers.
With all that Tony has done, seen, and conquered, the thing he cherished most was fatherhood. Tony was an affectionate, loving, patient, and compassionate father. He enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his children going to movies, playing video games, or just shooting the breeze at home. His children were the lights of his life. As a family, they were avid followers of Marvel, action and sci-fi movies.

Anthony is survived by his: parents Yolanda (Richard) Smith, Barton (Frieda) Mitchell, and Marvin Landor; five wonderful children Anthony Mitchell Jr, Robert Mitchell, Andrew Mitchell, Wesley Mitchell, and Megan Mitchell; brothers Robert A. Mitchell and Brian Mitchell; two stepsisters Rachelle Curtis and Racquel Glover; grandmothers Bettie Fanta, Oretha Mitchell, and Muriel Landor; aunts Letreyona Jenkins, Eva Poole, and Angela Gordon; God parents Valerie and Keith Kisart; one niece (Violet), four nephews (Kani, Sydney, Kahlil and Braylon), three God children, and a host of cousins, extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.